Actes and monuments of matters most speciall and memorable, happenyng in the Church. [vol. 1] with an vniuersall history of the same, wherein is set forth at large the whole race and course of the Church, from the primitiue age to these latter tymes of ours, with the bloudy times, horrible troubles, and great persecutions agaynst the true martyrs of Christ, sought and wrought as well by heathen emperours, as nowe lately practised by Romish prelates, especially in this realme of England and Scotland. Newly reuised and recognised, partly also augmented, and now the fourth time agayne published and recommended to the studious reader, by the author (through the helpe of Christ our Lord) Iohn Foxe, which desireth thee good reader to helpe him with thy prayer.

*The third Persecution.

* 1.1BEtwene the second Romain persecution and the third, was but one yeare, vnder the Emperour Nerua. After whom succeeded Traianus. And after him followed the third persecution. So the second and the third, are noted of some to be both one,* 1.2 hauing no more difference but one yere be∣twene them. This Traianus if we looke well vpon his po∣litike and ciuill gauernance, might seeme in comparison of other, a right worthy and commendable Prince. Much fa∣miliar with inferiors, and so behauing himself toward his subiectes, as he himselfe would haue y^e Prince to be to him, if he himselfe were a subiect. Also he was noted to be a great obseruer of iustice, in so much that when he ordained any Pretour, geuing to him the sword, he would bid him vse the sword against his enemies in iust causes, and if he him selfe did otherwise then iustice, to vse then his power a∣gainst him also.* 1.3 But for all these vertues, toward christian Religion, he was impious and cruel, who caused the third persecution of the Church. In the which persecution Plinie the second, a man learned and famous, seyng the lamenta∣ble slaughter of Christians, and mooued therewith to pitie, wrote to Traianus of the pitifull persecution: certifiyng him that there were many thousāds of them daily put to death, of which none did any thing contrary to the Romaine lawes worthy persecution, sauing that they vsed to gather together in the morning before day, and sing Hymnes to a certaine God, whom they worshipped, called Christ. In all other their ordinaunces they were godly and honest. Wherby the persecution by commaundement of the Em∣perour, was greatly stayd and diminished. The forme and copy of which Epistle of Plinie I thought here not incon∣uenient to set downe as followeth.

*The Epistle of Plinie an Heathen Phi∣losopher to Traiane the Emperour.

IT is my propertie and maner (my soueraigne,* 2.1) to make rela∣tion of all those thinges vnto you wherein I doubt. For who can better, either correct my slackenesse, or instruct mine igno∣raunce then you? I was neuer yet present my selfe, at the exa∣amination and execution of these Christians. And therfore what punishment is to be administred, and how farre, or how to pro∣ceede in such Inquisitions, I am plaine ignoraunt, not able to resolue in the matter, whether any difference is to bee had in age and person, whether the young and tender ought to be with like crueltie intreated as the elder and stronger, whether repentance may haue any pardon, or whether it may profite him or not, to de∣nie which hath bene a Christiā, whether the name onely of Chri∣stians without other offences, or whether the offences ioyned with the name of a Christian ought to be punished. In the meane season, as touching such Christians as haue bene presented vn∣to me, I haue kept this order, I haue inquired the second and third time of them, whether they were Christians, manacing them with feare of punishment, and suche as did perseuere, I commaunded to execution. For thus I thought, that what so euer their profession was, yet their stubburnenesse and obstina∣cie ought to be punished. Whether they were also of the same madnesse, whom because they were Citizens of Rome, I thought to send them backe againe to the Citie. Afterward, in further processe & handling of this matter, as the sect did further spread, so the more cases did thereof ensue.

There was a libell offred to me bearing no name, wherein was contained the names of many which denied themselues to be Christians, contented to doe sacrifice with incense, and wine to the Gods and to your Image (whiche Image I for that pur∣pose caused to be brought) and to blaspheme Christ: whereun∣to none such as were true Christians in deede could be compel∣led, and those I did discharge and let goe. Other some confessed that they had bene Christians,* 2.2 but afterward denied the same, &c. Affirming vnto me the whole summe of that sect or errour, to consist in this, that they were woont at certain times appoin∣ted, to conuent before day, and to sing certaine Hymnes to one Christ their God, and to confederate among themselues to ab∣staine from all theft,* 2.3 murther, and adulterie, to keepe their faith and to defraude no man: which done, then to departe for that time, and afterward to resort againe to take meate in companies together both men and women, one with an other, & yet with∣out any acte of euils.

In the truth whereof to be further certified whether it were so or not,* 2.4 I caused two maidens to bee laied on the Racke, and with tormentes to bee examined of the same. But finding no o∣ther thing in them, but onely lewde and immoderate superstiti∣on, I though to surcease of further inquirie, til tyme that I might be further aduertised in the matter from you, for so the matter seemed vnto me worthy and needefull of aduisement, especially, for the great number of those that were in daunger of your sta∣tute. For very many there were of all ages and states, both men & women which then were & more are like hereafter to incurre the same perill of condemnation. For that infection hath crepte not onely in Cities, but Villages also and Boroughs about, which seemeth that it may be staied and reformed For as much as we see in many places that the Temples of our Gods whiche were woont to be desolate, beginne now againe to be frequented, and that they bring sacrifices from euerie parte to be solde, whiche before verye fewe were founde willing to buie them. Whereby it may easilie be coniectured, what multitudes of men may bee amended, if space and tyme bee giuen them, wherein they may be reclaimed.

The Epistle of Traianus to Plinie.

THe Acte and Statute my Secundus, concernyng the causes of the Christians whiche ye ought to followe,* 3.1 ye haue right∣lye executed. For no suche generall lawe can be enacted, wher∣in all speciall cases particularly can be comprehended. Let them not be sought for, but if they be brought and conuicted, then let them suffer execution: So notwithstanding that whosoeuer shall

deny himselfe to be a Christian, and that he do it vnfainedly in o∣pen audience, and do sacrifice to our Gods, howsoeuer he hath bene suspected before, let him be released vpō promise of amend∣ment. Such libels as haue no names, suffice not to any iust crime or accusation, for that should geue both an euill President, nei∣ther doth it agree with the example of our tyme.

Tertullian writing vpon this letter of Traianus aboue prefixed, thus saith: O sentence of a confused necessitie: He would not haue them to be sought for as men innocent, & yet causeth them to be punished as persons gilty. And thus the rage of that persecutiō ceased for a tyme, although not∣withstanding many naughty disposed men and cruell offi∣cers that were, which vpon false pretence to accomplishe their wicked myndes, ceased not to afflict the Christians in diuers prouinces. And especially if any occasiō were ge∣uē neuer so litle for the enemies to take hold, or if any com∣motion were raised in the Prouinces abroad, by and by the fault was laid vpon the christians. As in Hierusalem after that the emperor Traianus had sent doune his commaunde∣ment,* 3.2 that whosoeuer could be found of the stocke of Da∣uid, he should be enquired out and put to death: vpon this Egesippus writing, saith, that certaine sectaries there were of the Iewish nation, that accused Simeon the bishop then of Ierusalem and sonne of Cleophas to come of the stocke of Dauid, and that he was a Christian. Of the which his accusers it happened also (saith the said Egesippus) that cer∣taine of them likewise were apprehended and taken to bee of the stocke of Dauid, and so right iustly were put to exe∣cution themselues, which sought the destruction of other. As concerning Simeon the blessed bishop, the foresayd Ege∣sippus thus writeth: That Simeon the lordes nephew, whē he was accused to Attalus the Proconsul, by the malicious sect of the Iewes,* 3.3 to be of the line of Dauid, & to be a christi∣an, was scourged, during the space of many dayes toge∣ther, beyng of the age of an hundred and twentie yeres. In which his Martyrdome he indured so constant, that both the Consul and all the multitude did meruaile to see him of that age so constantly to suffer, and so at last being crucified finished his course in the Lord, for whome he suffered, as partly before also is recorded.

In this persecution of Traianus aboue specified, (which Traianus next followed after Nerua) besides the other afore mentioned,* 3.4 also suffred Phocas bishop of Pontus, whome Traianus because he would not do sacrifice to Neptunus, cau∣sed to be cast into an hote Limekilne: and afterward to be put into a skalding bathe, where the constant godly Mar∣tyr, in y^e testimony of Christ ended his life, or rather entred into l••••e. Anton. Equil. Fascic. temporum.

In the same persecution suffered also Sulpitius and Ser∣uilianus, two Romains.* 3.5 Whose wiues are sayd to bee Eu∣phrosina and Theodora, whom Sabina did cōuert to the faith of Christ, and after were also Martyred. Of which Sabina Iacobus Philippus author of the booke called Supplementum, reporteth that in the mount of Auentine in Rome, she was beheaded of Clepidus the gouernour, in the dayes of Hadriā. Under whom also suffred Seraphia a virgin of Antioche, as Hermannus witnesseth.

The forenamed authors Anton. and Equilius make mē∣tion moreouer of Nereus and Achilleus, who in this perse∣cution of Traiane, had the croune of Martyrdom, being put to death at Rome. Eusebius in his iiij. booke cap. 26. maketh mention of one Sagaris, who about the same tyme suffered Martyrdome in Asia, Seruilius Paulus beyng then Procon∣sul in that Prouince.

* 3.6In this persecution beside many other, suffred the bles∣ed Martyr of Christ Ignatius, who vnto this day is had in famous reuerence among very many.* 3.7 This Ignatius was appointed to the bishoprike of Antioch next after Peter in succession. Some do say, that he beyng sent from Syria to Rome,* 3.8 because he professed Christ, was giuen to the wilde beasts to be deuoured. It is also sayd of him, that when he passed through Asia, being vnder the most straight custody of his garders, he strengthned and confirmed the parishes through all the cities as he went, both with his exhortati∣ons and preaching of the word of God: and admonished them especially and before all other things, to beware and shunne those heresies risen vp, and sprong newly among them, and that they should cleaue and sticke fast to the tra∣ditiō of the Apostles, which he for their better safegard, be∣yng about to denoūce or put in writing, thought it a thing very necessary to trauaile in. And thus when he came to Smyrna, where Polycarpus was, he wrote one epistle to the congregation of Ephesus,* 3.9 wherin he made mention of O∣nesimus their Pastor, & an other he wrote to the congrega∣tion of Magnesia, beyng at Meandre, wherein also he forget∣teth not Dama their Bishop. Also an other he wrote to the congregation of Trallis: the gouernour of which Citie at that time he noteth to be one Polibius. Unto which congre∣gation he made an exhortation, lest they refusing Martyr∣dome, should loose the hope that they desired.

But it shalbe very requisite that I aledge somewhat thereof to the declaration of this matter.* 3.10 He wrote therfore as the wordes lye in this sort. From Syria (saith he) euen till I came to Rome had I a battell with beastes, as well by sea, as land, both day & night, being bound in the midst of ten cruell Libardes (that is, the company or band of the souldiers) which, the more benefites that they receaued at my hands, became so much the woorse vnto me. But I being exercised and now wel acquainted with their iniu∣ries, am taught euery day more and more: but hereby am I not yet iustified. And would to God I were once come to y^e beasts, which are prepared for me. Which also I wish with gaping mouthes were ready to come vpon me, whō also I will prouoke that they without delay may deuoure me, and forbeare me nothing at all, as those whome before they haue not touched or hurt for feare. And if they wyll not vnlesse they be prouoked, I will then inforce them a∣gaynst my selfe. Pardon me I pray you. How much bene∣ficiall it is to me, I knowe. Now begin I to be a scholer I force or esteeme no visible thinges,* 3.11 nor yet inuisible thinges, so that I may get or obtaine Christ Iesu. Let the fire, the galowes, the deuouring of wild beastes, the brea∣king of bones, the pulling a sunder of my members, the broosing or pressing of my whole body, and the tormentes of the deuill or hell it selfe come vpon me, so that I maye winne Christ Iesus.

And these things wrote he from the foresayde Citye, vnto the congregations which we haue recited. And when he was euen now iudged to be throwne to the beastes, he spake for y^e burning desire that he had to suffer,* 3.12 what tyme he heard the Lyons roaryng: I am the wheat or grayne (sayth he) of Christ, I shall be grounde wyth the teeth of wylde beastes, that I may be found pure bread. Hee suffered in the xj. yeare of Traian the Emperour. Haec Euse∣bius, & Hieronym.

Besides this godly Ignatius, manye thousandes also were put to death in the same persecutiō, as appeareth by the letter of Plinius secundus aboue recited, written vnto the Emperour.

Hierome in his booke intituled De viris illustrib,* 3.13 maketh mention of one Publius Byshop of Athens, who for the sayth of Christ, the same time during this persecution was put to death and martyred.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The third persecution of the Church.
• * 1.2

  An. 100.
• * 1.3

  Plinius se∣cundus. wrote to Traian to stop the persecutiō.
• * 2.1

  The Epistle of Plinie to Traianus.
• * 2.2

  The vse of Christians in the primitiue Churche.
• * 2.3

  The testimony of the Heathen of the Christi∣ans.
• * 2.4

  Two maydens racked for Christ.
• * 3.1

  The aunswere of Traian to Plinies letter.
• * 3.2

  The stocke of Dauid feared and inquired for of the Romaine Emperours. Ex Egesippo. Simeon sonne of Mary Cleo∣phas.

  A iust punish∣ment of God vpon the mali∣tious accusers of the Christians.
• * 3.3

  The age of Simeon. The death and Martyrdome of Simeon.
• * 3.4

  Phocas. Byshop of Pon∣tus Martyr.
• * 3.5

  Sulpitius.〈◊〉〈◊〉 Exphrofina, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Martyrs.

  Sabina Martyr. Ex. Su••ple. Chr. Seraphia. Nereus.

  Achilleus Martyrs.

  Sagaris Martyr.
• * 3.6

  Ignatius Martyr.
• * 3.7

  Anno. 111.
• * 3.8

  Ex Euse. Lib. 3. Cap. 35.36 Ex Hier In ca∣talogo Scrip.
• * 3.9

  Eccles. Onesimus Pastor at Ephesus.
• * 3.10

  The wordes of Ignatius. The straig•••• handling of Ignatius.
• * 3.11

  The notable constancy and burning zeale to Christ in this blessed martyr to be marked.
• * 3.12

  Ignatius denoured of wild beasts▪
• * 3.13

  Ex Hier. Lib. de viris illust.

  Publius Byshop of Athens Martyr.